EP0331542B1 - Method and device for washing laundry in a washing machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to the field of machine washing and cleaning of linen.

European patent application No. 85400652.5, published under No. 0151549, in the name of the applicant, describes an original method of washing laundry in the machine with a liquid detergent. According to this method, a device is used containing a liquid detergent and comprising non-blocked vents. This device is placed with the laundry to be washed in the drum of the machine and the machine is started, letting the washing cycle take place, the detergent thus progressively passing through the laundry and the washing bath as soon as the machine is started. on the way. According to one embodiment, a predetermined quantity of liquid detergent is poured into the device, which for this purpose has a filling orifice and, at the end of the washing, the device is recovered which can be reused.

Such a process very significantly improves the efficiency of machine washing and is widely developed, with great commercial success.

Devices allowing the implementation of the process indicated above are for example described in the European patent application N ° 85400653.3 published under the n ° 0152359, also in the name of the applicant. Such a device comprises at least one filling orifice and vents for the gradual release of the liquid within the laundry during washing. By way of example, the device comprises a body and an attached assembly, which is intended for filling and / or diffusing the liquid. Such an assembly can be permanently mounted on the body or on the contrary be removable. Such an assembly may include a central filling orifice and vents distributed around its periphery. According to an advantageous embodiment, the filling orifice has the form of a chimney plunging inside the body. It will also be noted that an advantageous arrangement in practice consists in giving the device an essentially spherical shape. However, this form is in no way limiting and it is possible, for example, to implement other forms of revolution.

For washing purposes, the device is filled with liquid detergent and it is thus placed filled in the drum of the machine, where the laundry is already located, the liquid detergent contained in the device diffusing gradually during washing in the medium. washing and in the laundry.

French patent application 8706413 filed on May 6, 1987 by the applicant for: "Method and device for washing clothes in the machine" describes a new washing process making it possible to use the detergents currently available on the market in solid form, in particular powder. This process starts from the general technique already proposed for liquid detergents, but adapts it to the use of particulate detergents. Thus, a metering and dispensing device is filled with an amount of detergent corresponding substantially to a wash and, after having placed this device in the machine with the laundry to be washed, the washing is then carried out in the usual manner. A controlled predissolution of the detergent is carried out in the device, physically preventing the detergent from leave the device in particulate form, in a massive and uncontrolled manner, while allowing the washing liquid to penetrate inside the device, so as to allow the gradual release of the pre-dissolved detergent within the medium containing the laundry in washing course. A metering and diffusing device suitable for implementing such a method comprises a body capable of being filled with the desired quantity of particulate detergent, removable means for closing off this body, the body or said means having holes or vents for releasing the detergent. Means separate the part of the device comprising the holes or vents from the part comprising the particulate detergent, these means being designed to allow the washing water to pass freely and to practically prevent the massive and uncontrolled exit of the particulate detergent. In one embodiment, the device has the general shape of a body of revolution which can be closed by a removable cap. It comprises at least one plate mounted inside the device for separating the cap and the part of the body containing the particulate detergent, said plate itself having at least one orifice whose surface is less than that of the holes or vents of the cap.

Furthermore, document EP-A-0 288 346 which benefits from the priority of French patent application 8704167 filed on March 25, 1987 by the applicant, relates to a process for washing linen and container for its implementation ". This document was only published on October 26, 1988 and is therefore opposable to the present request only under Article 54 (3) OBE. It describes a process for washing laundry in the machine which is introduced into the drum of the washing machine a container or device, containing a predetermined amount of detergent composition, advantageously liquid, this container being designed to allow the gradual diffusion of the composition during washing. According to this method, the constituents of the detergent composition which are not of satisfactory mutual compatibility are conditioned separately in individual compartments of said container, each of said compartments having openings, so that when the container is placed in the drum and when the machine is started, the constituents of the detergent composition diffuse simultaneously and separately during the washing. One can for example use a container with two compartments, one of which may in particular contain the bleaching constituents intended to release oxygen or active chlorine while the other contains the rest of the detergent composition.

The Applicant has continued its work in the general field of machine washing technique, the subject of its aforementioned European patent application 0151549. It was desirable, in fact, to have a simple process, which can be implemented with inexpensive devices, for simultaneously solving several technical problems which arise with the detergent compositions currently available on the market. The first problem to be solved is to allow the user to have a method and a device for adapting the washing conditions to the state of soiling of the laundry, thereby providing "à la carte washing". This problem is general and it exists as well for liquid detergent compositions as for the compositions in particulate form. A further problem results from the fact that it is desirable to wash the laundry with a detergent composition, the constituents of which exert their activity at the optimal time, as well as intervening in the washing process, for example to ensure a protective role for parts of the washing machine, only to fulfill their specific function during washing, which is the case for example with enzymes, softeners, agents which have a stain-removing action on grease stains, peroxygen compounds, bleaching catalysts , bleach activators, bactericides, foam regulators, optical brighteners and other similar constituents with specific functions. Such constituents must be available at determined instants of the washing cycle and the technical problem to be solved is to find a simple and practical process for presenting these constituents so as to make them available for the washing process according to a predetermined and optimal sequence.

Another problem to be solved, which arises more particularly in the case of liquid detergents, is that of the mutual incompatibility of certain constituents of the composition with respect to others. This incompatibility can be more or less pronounced, but specialists in the subject are well aware of this problem, and, in this regard, reference may be made to the description of the aforementioned French patent application 8704167, which is introduced by way of reference in this specification. It is also desirable to deliver certain constituents of the composition, in separate form, so as to allow them to exert a delayed action, thanks, for example, to their slower dissolution during washing.

The invention provides a solution to the problems which have just been mentioned, whatever the type of detergent used, and this by taking advantage of the currently existing devices which are for example described in the aforementioned European patent application 0152359 and which have proven in practice, very suitable for the implementation of the general washing technique described in particular in the European patent application 0151549 mentioned above.

To solve the technical problems mentioned above, as well as others, the subject of the invention is a method of washing clothes in a drum machine, in which a device comprising an external body and non-blocked vents is used, the body of the device with a dose of a basic detergent composition, one or more additives (s) packaged separately, according to the state of soiling of the laundry to be washed, being provided for said additive (s) being provided (s) to be placed in a housing (s) located in a non-deformable hollow element inside the device, the device containing the basic detergent composition and the said additive (s) are placed ) selected with the laundry to be washed in the drum of the machine, and the machine is started by letting the washing cycle take place, said device at the end of the washing cycle, being recovered and able to be re used.

According to the invention, the method is applicable to detergent compositions in which certain constituents have a specific mode of action on soiling. It can also be used in the case where certain constituents have insufficient compatibility with others within the detergent composition.

Nonlimiting examples of constituents which, in the process according to the invention, can be separated from the detergent composition proper are: bleaching agents, such as agents releasing chlorine or active oxygen (peroxygen compound), brightening agents, anti-redeposition agents of stains, enzymes, softeners, agents exerting a stain-removing action of grease stains. Such constituents have a specific action on soiling, which is exerted either at the start of the washing cycle, or during it. It is also possible to use the process of the invention to use agents which do not, strictly speaking, have a direct action on the soiling, but which can nevertheless intervene in a machine washing process. This is particularly the case for agents ensuring protection of the internal parts and organs of the washing machine, for example agents based on sodium silicates.

According to the invention, the fact of associating with the device at least one constituent having a specific mode of action on the dirtiness means as well that such a constituent is made integral with the device as soon as it is put in place. machine and from the start of the washing cycle or that such a constituent is presented in a separate form to produce its effects during the washing cycle, in combination with the other constituents contained in the device.

It is therefore understandable that there are numerous possibilities of associating these separate constituents with the device containing the detergent, depending on the nature of these constituents and their mode of action. Illustrative and in no way limitative examples will be given in the description which follows.

Thus, the constituents presented in separate form can be contained in bags or sachets, for example by individual dose, in a nonwoven material or on the contrary in a material soluble in the washing bath (for example in polyvinyl alcohol PVA). These constituents can also be capsules or tablets or lozenges soluble in the washing bath, as well as granules, sheets, for example nonwoven, impregnated or coated with active ingredients, or materials having the consistency of a dough.

In one embodiment of the method, the actual detergent composition is in liquid or granular form and is supplied individually to the user. The latter also has specific action products or constituents which are offered to him separately and, for example, have characteristic shades or colors for each of them, so that the user can, according to the indications given to him , adapt the formulation of the detergent composition to the precise need for washing, depending on the state of soiling of the laundry. Likewise, the problem of insufficient incompatibility of certain constituents of the detergent composition can be solved. Also, a separate and deferred action of certain constituents, such as the bleaching agents, thanks to their separate presentation, allowing them to dissolve more slowly during the washing cycle.

As mentioned previously, the method of the invention can be implemented with a very simple device or container, for example of the general type described in the European patent application published under No. 0152359 or in the aforementioned French patent application No. 8707413.

The constituents presented separately, according to the invention, are advantageously integrated into the device or container placed in the drum of the washing machine.

To this end, the device or container may include housings, for example in its outer periphery, capable of receiving the separate constituents in any of the forms which have been previously mentioned.

However, it is also possible to take advantage of the structure of the currently known devices or to modify it slightly, so as to have the separate constituents in question in the device.

For example, if there is a container comprising a body of revolution and an assembly, removable or not, with a central filling orifice having a chimney shape, and vents distributed around its periphery, it is possible to lodge in the chimney, once the detergent composition has been placed in the body of the container, the constituents of said composition which are intended to be associated with the container, and which are for example presented in the form of a sachet of nonwoven material or soluble in the bath of washing. However, it is also possible to provide a container comprising a double chimney, one allowing filling with the actual detergent composition and the other serving for placing the bags, which then have a specific housing. If these sachets are made of non-woven material, they are simply collected at the end of the washing operation. The chimney or chimneys in question can be left free at their upper part or on the contrary comprise a clip-on cover or a movable cover, for example with a hinge, so as to enclose the constituents in their housings and to let them diffuse through the vents of the container. , together with the rest of the detergent composition.

Above all, we have previously indicated forms of presentation of the separate constituents which correspond to a solid structure or which can be handled as a solid. However, these constituents can also be presented in a different form, for example a liquid or a gel. In such cases, these separate constituents of the actual detergent composition can be placed in the container in a special housing. The container can be supplied to the user with a housing thus filled in advance, in which case it suffices to fill the container with the detergent and to clear the opening of this housing, to allow the diffusion of the detergent as well as of the constituent already put in place.

However, it is not going beyond the scope of the invention to use a container or device having a general design as described in the European patent application. 0152359 or in the French patent application 8706413, for example, and by separately presenting a particular constituent, by reason of its specific action, since this constituent is associated, at the time of use with the container in question, it that is to say, it is placed in the machine with this container.

Those skilled in the art will therefore understand that the method of the invention can be implemented with a very wide variety of devices or containers, the examples given above being only indicative and in no way limitative.
In general, the invention therefore also relates to a device for implementing the method described above.

The device is intended to be reused and to be placed with the laundry in the drum of a washing machine and comprises a substantially spherical external body, non-deformable during a washing cycle, intended to receive a detergent and having vents not closed, and also comprises a hollow element which cannot be deformed during a washing cycle, said hollow element being placed completely inside said external body and connected to the latter, having at least one opening for communication. with the outside and comprising, in addition to its wall, means for holding in place for an additive, said means delimiting with the hollow element at least one housing for said additive, said housing being at least partially open during washing.

• les moyens de maintien comprennent au moins une pièce en saillie fixée sur la paroi interne dudit élément,
• ladite pièce en saillie est réalisée en un matériau souple pour faciliter la mise en place desdits produits solides,
• les moyens de maintien comprennent une paroi fixée à l'intérieur dudit élément,
• les moyens de maintien sont fixés à un couvercle placé au-dessus de ladite ouverture,
• ledit élément creux comprend une cuvette dans la paroi de laquelle sont ménagés les évents,
• les moyens de maintien comprennent une pièce présentant au moins une jupe et au moins un passage ou orifice et fermant partiellement ladite ouverture,
• l'élément creux comprend une cheminée prolongeant une cuvette dans la paroi de laquelle sont ménagés les évents,
• les moyens de maintien sont constitués par un opercule articulé sur la paroi de la cheminée,
• une paroi d'extrémité et/ou la paroi périphérique de la cheminée sont au moins partiellement ouvertes.

The device according to the invention also has the following characteristics, taken individually or in combination:

• the holding means comprise at least one projecting part fixed to the internal wall of said element,
• said protruding part is made of a flexible material to facilitate the positioning of said solid products,
• the holding means comprise a wall fixed inside said element,
• the holding means are fixed to a cover placed above said opening,
• said hollow element comprises a bowl in the wall of which the vents are formed,
• the holding means comprise a part having at least one skirt and at least one passage or orifice and partially closing said opening,
• the hollow element comprises a chimney extending a bowl in the wall of which the vents are formed,
• the holding means consist of a cover articulated on the wall of the chimney,
• an end wall and / or the peripheral wall of the chimney are at least partially open.

The invention provides a simple and effective solution to the technical problems mentioned at the start of this specification. In the prior art, certain methods of washing laundry in the machine have involved the use of a machine capable of taking up the separate ingredients of a detergent formulation in separate tanks. This technical solution is extremely complicated, since it is not only necessary to modify the structure of the machines but to provide expensive programming equipment that comes into operation as the washing cycle proceeds.

On the contrary, the process of the invention takes advantage of all the advantages of simplicity and efficiency of the general washing technique which is the subject of European patent application 0151549. The advantages of this technique, namely better washing efficiency and elimination of detergent losses in the machine's drain circuit, the invention adds great flexibility in the washing conditions. the user being able to realize "à la carte washing", depending on the type and condition of the laundry to be washed and soiling to be removed.

The invention also relates to the packaging of containers of washing products for a washing machine, intended to be introduced into said machine.

Washing machines for washing dishes or dishes include at least one compartment intended to receive a washing product, washing machines for washing linen generally even comprising several compartments for receiving various products for washing and / or softening and / or purifying and which are hereinafter generally referred to as "detergents". The compartments are designed to empty into the machine during the washing cycle.

Each product is in the form of a powder or a liquid and it is the user himself who fills the corresponding compartment, from a packaging or a container of bulk product.

Apart from the disadvantages due to the often difficult and sometimes even dangerous handling depending on the nature of the products (bleach for example), the slightest overflow or spillage outside the compartments requires additional work and risks damaging the machine. In addition, the dosage is difficult and never precise.

Finally, it is known that these products, especially pulverulent products, are sensitive to external conditions and it is common, for example, to throw away a residue of powdered product which has become unusable because of its agglomeration. from the fact that these products are obviously hydrophilic.

These drawbacks no longer exist with the technique now proposed by the Applicant, which consists in introducing directly into the washing chamber the washing product which gradually pours out during the cycle through permanent openings.

In one embodiment, such a detergent container for a washing machine, intended to be introduced into said machine, contains a determined dose of product for a washing cycle.

In this way, the container is already ready for use, which avoids, in particular, any manipulation of product and any dosing problem.

In general, a shape that is particularly well suited for a container according to the invention is the spherical shape.

The containers according to the invention can be packaged in any way.

According to the invention, an original packaging is advantageously used which is remarkable in that it groups together a plurality of containers, containing products which are distinct by the nature of the articles to be washed and / or the function of the product, and which differ from each other by different brands and / or colors.

In this way, it is possible to offer for sale a barrel of washing products containing, for example containers in the form of balls of different colors each corresponding to a program and / or a function and / or a particular dosage depending on the nature of the product and / or its quantity.

The description which follows gives still other concrete examples of embodiment of the invention.

The invention will now be illustrated without being in any way limited with reference to the accompanying drawings which illustrate devices allowing the implementation of the method of the invention, namely:

Fig. 1 is an axial section of a device incorporating constituents presented in the form of tablets or lozenges.

Fig. 2 is a detail view of FIG. 1.

Fig. 3 is a view similar to FIG. 1 illustrating a device where certain components are presented in a sachet or pocket.

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a variant device using tablets.

Fig. 5 is an axial section of the device of FIG. 4.

Fig. 6 is a detailed view of an element of the device in FIGS. 4 and 5.

Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a tablet usable in the method of the invention.

Fig. 8 is an axial section of a device showing another embodiment with constituents presented in the form of tablets.

Fig. 9 is a top view of the part of FIG. 8 containing the tablets.

Fig. 10 is a view similar to FIG. 9 and illustrating an alternative embodiment.

Fig. 11 is an axial section of another device usable with tablets.

Fig. 12 is an axial section of a device incorporating tablets at its upper part.

Fig. 13 is an axial section of a device comprising a housing for the tablets at its lower part.

Fig. 14 is an axial section illustrating an alternative construction of a device element.

Fig. 15 is an axial section illustrating another alternative construction.

For the simplicity of the description and the uniformity of the text, most of the devices which will be described are of the general type which is the subject of the European patent application published under No. 0152359. They include, as illustrated in particular in Figure 1, a body 1 of generally spherical shape and an attached assembly 2 to which the body 1 is connected by a planar surface 4 extending radially and extended by a cylindrical surface 5 extending upwards. The attached assembly 2 comprises an upper part 6 in the form of a bowl providing a central opening 7. The wall of the bowl 6 has peripheral perforations 8. The bowl 6 is extended downwards by a cylindrical part 9 in the form of a plunging chimney inside the device 1, which is intended to serve as a container for the detergent composition: Furthermore, the attached assembly 2 also has parts 10, projecting outwards and at the periphery, which come to bear on the surface 4 of the body 1 and essentially serve as gripping means.

This type of device is now well known in the machine washing technique and there is therefore no need to describe it in more detail. Those skilled in the art can refer to the aforementioned European patent application published under No. 0152359 as well as to the French patent application published under No. 2587001.

The process of the invention can advantageously be implemented with this type of device, which makes it possible to associate certain separate constituents of the basic detergent composition, which is introduced into the body 1.

In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 1, a number of tablets containing ingredients or constituents having a specific function for washing are placed inside the chimney 9. As illustrated in detail in the figure 2, the internal surface of the chimney 9 can have annular projections 13 making it possible to provide therebetween housings where the tablets 12 are housed respectively. It is also seen in FIG. 1 that the chimney is limited by a wall 14 situated at a level intermediate of its height, which makes it possible not to be forced to insert a tablet in the chimney to its lowest level.

In the drawing of Figure 1, the chimney 9 has been illustrated as having longitudinal side openings, which are usual in devices of this type already used. However, for the needs of the invention, it may be advantageous to provide a chimney with full walls, so that the detergent composition, for example liquid, introduced into the body 1 does not immediately come into contact with the tablets housed in the fireplace. These achievements depend on the type of components found in the tablets, as will be seen below. Also, the drawing of Figures 1 and 2 illustrates tablets housed in the chimney, but the same provisions could be applied with constituents presented in the form of capsules or any other structure having sufficient strength to be inserted and maintained in the chimney.

For simplification, the description will not be repeated with reference to FIG. 3 of the device, the constituent parts of which are the same as those of the device in FIGS. 1 and 2. In the variant shown in FIG. 3, the constituent (s) separated from the detergent composition is presented in the form of a sachet or pocket which is disposed inside the chimney 9. FIG. 3 shows a cover 16 movable around a hinge 18 and capable of being manipulated by a ring 17. This cover can be useful if the material of the bag 15 is a nonwoven fabric which does not dissolve in the washing bath, in which case it is better to avoid that, at the end of it, the bag escapes the device and could possibly damage the mechanical parts of the washing machine. In this case, the cover 16 is folded down at the top of the chimney, so that it is closed. The chimney 9 presents, as it is usual, longitudinal openings 19 also making it possible to bring the sachet into contact with the washing liquid, to ensure the diffusion of the constituent that it contains. If the bag 15 is formed of a water-soluble material such as polyvinyl alcohol, it is sufficient to place it in the chimney which then does not need to be sealed at its upper part.

Figures 4 to 6 illustrate an alternative embodiment according to which tablets of constituents having a specific function for washing are placed not in the chimney as indicated in Figures 1 to 3 but in the bowl 6 of the set 2 attached on the body 1. To hold the tablet (s) 12 in this bowl 6, a part 20 is provided which is pressed inside the bowl by enclosing the tablets. This part 20 is shown in perspective in Figure 6. We see that it has skirts 21, 22 having the shape of cylindrical walls which extend vertically to match the vertical walls of the bowl 6, but only over a limited area thereof, while passages or orifices 23, 24, 25 are also provided to then allow the diffusion of the active products in the washing bath. The part 20 also has at its upper part two recesses 26, facing each other, which facilitate gripping of this part. Figure 4 clearly shows the situation of the device when the part 20 is put in place and pressed inside the bowl 6. This same arrangement appears in section in Figure 5, where we also see two tablets 12 housed in bowl 6.

Figure 7 illustrates a tablet that can be used in any of the aforementioned devices, as well as in those which will be illustrated below. This kind of tablet can be obtained directly by compacting a substance having an activity in a washing process, for example a mineral compound such as a peroxygen compound, in particular sodium perborate. However, it is also possible to use constituents with a specific function which are not capable by themselves of being put into tablet form and which must then be incorporated into a matrix or support capable of dissolving under washing conditions. This matrix can for example consist of calcium bicarbonate. As a variant, it is also possible to coat the faces of the tablets with a substance which is impermeable to the aqueous medium, so that the progressive dissolution of the tablet takes place not by the main faces of the latter but by its narrow edge, which can ensuring slower dissolution, which in some cases may be desirable to ensure a predetermined sequence for the wash cycle.

FIG. 8 illustrates a variant of device according to which tablets or capsules are simply housed in compartments formed in the bowl 6. We see in FIG. 9, which is a top view of the bowl 6 and of the central opening 7 , that a crescent-shaped partition 27 extends through the bowl to form, with radial partitions 28, 29 housings into which tablets or capsules 12 can be inserted.

FIG. 10 illustrates a variant according to which the partitions 27, 28 29 are replaced by cylindrical walls 31, 32, 33 which constitute respective cells in which can be accommodated tablets or capsules 30, in the form of a stick.

FIG. 11 shows a device comprising a tablet 12 which is housed in the bottom of the bowl 6. To keep the tablet 12 in place, an annular bead 34 has simply been provided inside the bowl 6. in place of the tablet 12, it suffices to push it inside the bowl and the tablet is then held at its upper part. The bead 34 does not need to be continuous. It suffices that the wall 6 has projections acting as stops when the tablet has been pressed. Since all the parts in question are made of plastic, the flexibility of the walls and beads allows the placement of tablets or capsules without any difficulty.

The devices illustrated in Figures 1 to 11 are of the type comprising a chimney 9 plunging inside the body 1, but this is in no way obligatory, as will be described with reference to Figure 12 if this chimney is not used to dispose of the solid product 12.

FIG. 12 shows a device of the kind comprising a cover 35 screwed onto the body 1 by means of a complementary thread 36. In this variant, it is the cover 35 which comprises a cylindrical wall 37 making it possible to provide a housing for inside which can be accommodated a tablet 12.

FIG. 13 illustrates a device which is distinguished by the fact that the chimney 9 is limited by a wall 14 and that the lower part of the body 1 is arranged to form a housing 42 capable of receiving tablets 12, which can be kept there in place by annular beads, such as 43.

FIG. 14 schematically shows a chimney arrangement 9 according to which a diametrical partition 44 extends inside the chimney, to produce two cylindrical compartments 45, 46 of semi-circular section. The compartment 45 is the only one to be placed in communication with the part of the device corresponding to the bowl 6 where the liquid detergent enters the device and diffuses during the washing. The other compartment 46 is not in communication with the liquid and can accommodate at least one tablet 12 and / or a bag 15, as shown.

The cylindrical wall 47 of the chimney 9 delimiting the compartment 46 is generally full, while the compartment 45 has openings 19, as indicated above.

FIG. 15 illustrates another variant of chimney 9 comprising an external cylindrical part 49 provided with orifices 19, which is placed in communication with the bowl 6 for filling and diffusing the liquid detergent composition, and an internal part 50, delimited by a cylindrical wall 48 with a circular base. The part 50 can receive at least one tablet 12 and / or a sachet 15, as shown. This part 50 is thus separated from the part of the device intended to contain the liquid detergent composition.

It can therefore be seen that the method of the invention can be implemented with a very wide variety of devices, examples of which are only illustrative and have been given previously. A suitable device is also described in patent application FR 880165 of the applicant entitled: "Device for washing laundry in the machine". Such a device which is designed to contain a liquid detergent is characterized in that at least one solid comprising additional ingredients useful for washing is placed outside the device, said ingredients also being gradually released during washing. In a preferred embodiment, the solid product is put in a generally annular shape by surrounding the diffusion zone of the liquid detergent, which comprises the orifices and vents in question. The description of this joint patent application is introduced by way of reference in the present specification and the person skilled in the art can refer to it.

The description which follows gives concrete examples of implementation of the the invention with a device of the kind illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 14 or in the joint patent application FR 8801658 which has just been mentioned.

In these examples, the same basic liquid detergent composition is used, which is introduced into the device at a dose of approximately 180 g. This composition is as follows: Ingredients % in weight Dodecenyl succinic acid 12 Dodecyl benzene sulfonic acid 12 Alkyl sulfonic acid 4 Fatty alcohols C₁₂ - C₁₆ - 7 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of alcohol 16 Citric acid 1 Protease (Maxatase R) - (1.5 AU / g) 0.9 Amylase (Maxamyl R) - (300,000 KNU / g) 0.2 Phosphonic acid 0.8 Ethanol 8 Minor constituents, such as optical brightening agent, foam regulator based on silicone emulsion, dye, perfume, opacifier. Water Complement to 100

In accordance with the invention, this basic liquid detergent composition is combined with at least one additive having a specific function. In the following, concrete examples of said additives are given, indicating their percentage by weight equivalent relative to the basic liquid detergent composition. The actual weights of the solid product will vary according to the active concentrations of the additives or active constituents which they contain. It is clear that the physical presentation: capsules, tablets, sachets, etc ... must be taken into consideration to provide the appropriate amount of additives to be indicated.

• A. Pour une meilleure protection des parties internes de la machine à laver (machine neuve ou usagée):
  • 1 % de silicates de sodium - suspension immédiate.
• B. Pour "rénover" les textiles en coton usagés ou perlés.
  • Amélioration de l'apparence générale et de la douceur du linge:
  • 5 % d'enzymes cellulosiques - dissolution immédiate.
• C. Pour une action adoucissante sur le linge: 5 % d'enzymes cellulosiques + 0,2 % d'argile.
• D. Pour une meilleure action détachante des taches de graisse: 0,2% d'enzymes (Amylase) + 1,2% de téréphtalate de polyoxyéthylène/polyoxypropylène + 3% de laurylsulfate de sodium + 3% de surfactant non ionique concentré (Zoharex N.25 de Zoher par exemple) + 2% d'agent de mise en suspension de souillures (zéolithes ou polyacrylates)
  • dissolution immédiate.
• E. Pour une meilleure action détachante des salissures "oxydables" et une blancheur supérieure sur les cotons:
  • 14% de perborate de sodium + 4 % TAED + 0,5% acide diéthylène triamine pentaméthylène-phosphonique.
• F. Pour un "éclat" supérieure du linge (blanchiment amélioré): 15 2% d'acide citrique + 0,2% d'agent de brillantage optique (type Stilbene).

The following description lists certain additives and their specific function.

• A. For better protection of the internal parts of the washing machine (new or used machine):
  • 1% sodium silicates - immediate suspension.
• B. To "renovate" used or pearl cotton textiles.
  • Improvement of the general appearance and the softness of the linen:
  • 5% cellulosic enzymes - immediate dissolution.
• C. For a softening action on the linen: 5% of cellulosic enzymes + 0.2% of clay.
• D. For a better stain remover action: 0.2% of enzymes (Amylase) + 1.2% of polyoxyethylene / polyoxypropylene terephthalate + 3% of sodium lauryl sulfate + 3% of concentrated nonionic surfactant (Zoharex N.25 from Zoher, for example) + 2% of soil suspension agent (zeolites or polyacrylates)
  • immediate dissolution.
• E. For a better stain-removing action on "oxidizable" soiling and greater whiteness on cotton:
  • 14% sodium perborate + 4% TAED + 0.5% diethylene triamine pentamethylene phosphonic acid.
• F. For a better "shine" of the laundry (improved bleaching): 15 2% citric acid + 0.2% optical brightening agent (type Stilbene).

It will be observed that, in accordance with the process of the invention, it is possible to wash the laundry à la carte using one or more of the above-mentioned additives, in combination with the basic liquid detergent composition. It is naturally possible to combine the benefits of the constituents with a specific function which are used separately from the said composition. For example, in the case where the washing machine is used and very dirty, a combination of additives A + C + D + E + F can be used. It is also known that the process of the invention makes it possible to have said additives at predetermined times in the washing cycle, for example for some by taking advantage of their immediate action, from the start of washing and on the other hand, for others by a delayed action (peroxygen compounds, softeners).

The practical machine washing tests carried out in accordance with the process of the invention have shown that this à la carte washing is carried out in an optimal manner and this with very simple means.

In the preceding illustrative examples, the implementation of the process of the invention has essentially been mentioned with a basic liquid detergent composition and separate constituents, but it should be understood that the process of the invention is applicable in the same way way with a basic detergent composition presented in granular form, taking advantage of the lessons of French patent application 87 06 413 filed on May 6, 1987 by the applicant and already cited at the beginning of this specification.

Although the detailed description given previously has illustrated a certain number of embodiments of the method of the invention, numerous modifications or variants can still be made by a person skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims (17)

1. Method for washing laundry in a drum-type machine, in which method use is made of a device including an outer body (1) and unclosed vents (8), the body (1) of the device is filled with a dose of a detergent base composition, one or more separately packaged additives (12, 15, 30) are selected, depending on the degree of soiling of the laundry to be washed, the said additive or additives thus selected being intended to be placed in one (or more) housings (6, 9, 31, 32, 33, 37, 41, 48) to be found in a non-deformable hollow element inside the device, the device containing the detergent base composition and the selected additive or additives is/are placed together with the laundry to be washed inside the drum of the machine, and the machine is started, allowing the washing cycle to run, the said device being recovered at the end of the washing cycle, it being possible for this device to be reused.
2. Method according to Claim 1, characterized in that the separately packaged additive or additives is/are selected from among additives having a specific means of action on the soiling and/or insufficient compatibility with the detergent and/or one or more other additives.
3. Method according to one of Claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the separately packaged additive or additives is/are selected from among bleaching agents, such as agents releasing chlorine or active oxygen (peroxide compound), bleaching catalysts, bleaching activators, bactericides, foam regulators, brightening agents, agents preventing grime from being deposited, enzymes, softeners, agents exerting a stain-removal action on spots of grease or alternatively additives which do not exert a direct action on the soiling, but which may play a part in a machine-washing process, for example agents affording protection to the members and internal parts of the washing machine.
4. Method according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the additive or additives is/are selected from among additives contained in bags or sachets (15), for example in individual doses, made of a nonwoven substance or, on the contrary, made of a substance which is soluble in the washing tub, or in gelatin capsules (30), tablets (12) or pellets, or also granules, sheets, for example nonwovens, impregnated or coated with active ingredients, or substances having the consistency of a paste.
5. Method according to Claim 5, characterized in that a separately packaged additive partially covered with a substance which is impermeable to the aqueous medium is selected.
6. Method according to one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the separately packaged additive or additives is/are selected in the form of a liquid or of a gel.
7. Method according to any one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the additive(s) packaged separately and having characteristic tints or colours is/are selected.
8. Device for the implementation of the method according to any one of Claims 1 to 7 intended to be reused and to be placed together with the washing in the drum of a washing machine and including a substantially spherical outer body (1) which cannot be deformed during a wash cycle, intended to receive a detergent and having unclosed vents (8) and also including a hollow element (6, 9) which cannot be deformed during a wash cycle, the said hollow element being placed completely inside the said outer body (1) and connected thereto, having at least one opening (19, 23, 24, 25) for placing it in communication with the outside and including, apart from its wall, means (13, 14, 16, 20, 27 to 29, 31 to 34, 37, 43) for holding an additive in place, the said means delimiting with the hollow element at least one housing for the said additive, the said housing being at least partially open during washing.
9. Device according to Claim 8, characterized in that the holding means comprise at least one projecting piece (13, 34, 43) fixed to the internal wall of the said element (6, 9).
10. Device according to Claim 9, characterized in that the said projecting piece is made of a flexible material to facilitate the putting in place of the said solid products.
11. Device according to Claims 8 to 10, characterized in that the holding means comprise a wall (14, 27 to 29, 31 to 33) fixed to the inside of the said element.
12. Device according to Claims 8 to 11, characterized in that the holding means (37) are fixed to a lid (35) placed over the said opening.
13. Device according to one of Claims 8 to 12, characterized in that the said hollow element comprises a cup (6) in the wall of which vents (8) are made.
14. Device according to Claim 13, characterized in that the holding means comprise a piece (20) having at least one skirt (21, 22) and at least one passage or orifice (23, 24, 25) and partially closing the said opening.
15. Device according to one of Claims 8 to 14, characterized in that the hollow element comprises a hollow shaft (14) extending a cup (6) in the wall of which the vents (8) are made.
16. Device according to Claim 15, characterized in that the holding means consist of a cover (16) articulated to the wall of the hollow shaft (14).
17. Device according to one of Claims 15 and 16, characterized in that an end wall and/or the peripheral wall of the hollow shaft are at least partially open.

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